4 Benefits of Adding a Laminating Module

When considering an ID card printing solution, one consideration is whether your company needs laminated ID cards now or in the future. Lamination puts a thin plastic layer over your ID cards during the printing process that offers quite a few benefits.

1. Fraud prevention

When you laminate your ID cards, it's impossible for someone to change information on the front of the card. You would notice right away if someone tried to remove the lamination to get at the information underneath. It offers an immediate visual security that the card is authentic.

You can also choose a holographic lamination that adds another layer of immediate visual security. Holographic laminating film adds an image during the card printing process that cannot be fraudulently duplicated or forged.

2. Less wear and tear

Will your employees need to swipe their badges often or some other constant use? If so, laminating means much less wear and tear on your ID cards. The laminating film offers that extra layer of protection to keep your images and text sharp and crisp. Lamination protects from scratches during the regular course of use.

A bent, faded, scratched card makes your organization look unprofessional. And less wear and tear mean your cards will last longer and look more professional over the long haul.

3. Fading and transferring protection

The dyes used to print your ID cards can fade if exposed to the sun. And if an employee leaves their ID card in its badge on the dash of their car, the card gets stuck to inside the badge holder. Then when the employee pulls the card out, some of the image gets transferred onto the holder.

If your employees' ID cards will be exposed to the sun's UV rays or another heat source, lamination can protect them from fading and transferring the dyes.

4. Cost savings in the long run

You can actually save money in the long run when you laminate your ID cards. Some employees are hard on cards and need their cards replaced periodically. Accidents happen, cards get scratched, the images fade, and suddenly you're printing out several replacement cards.

Say you print 10 replacement cards a week at a cost of $1.00 per card. Over a year's time, that's an additional $520 a year in replacement costs. When you laminate your cards, they can last up to 10 years before needing replaced.

Printer considerations

If you decide you don't need to laminate your ID cards right away but want to add it to your program in the future, you have options. Several ID card printing solutions are upgradable by adding a laminating module at a later date.

Some brands that have laminating modules include:

• Evolis
• Magicard
• Zebra
• Fargo
• Datacard
• IDP

Still have questions?

If you're still not sure, contact an Idesco ID expert to go over your options. We'll help you choose the right printer with the modules you need for your ID card program. We can also help you create a solution that's upgradable in the future when your needs change.